Colombian waxweed, also known as Cuphea, has spread from the NSW North Coast all the way to Bundaberg in Queensland, after being imported from tropical America.
Commonly found in pastures and damp areas such as floodplains, swamps, drains and waterways, Colombian waxweed rapidly forms dense populations, outgrowing preferred pasture species. Although it isn't toxic to cattle, the animals are reluctant to eat it and lose condition when the pasture becomes dominated by the weed.
Colombian waxweed is a short-lived upright plant that can reach 60cm tall, however most are below 40cm, with pinkish purple flowers that grow either singly or in small clusters at the leaf forks or tips of branches.
The weed reproduces by seed, which is spread mainly by floods on low-lying land, and by sticking to livestock and machinery as they move between paddocks and farms.
Like most weeds, Colombian waxweed colonises disturbed or damaged ground, often along drainage lines, stock camps, after flooding, and on over-grazed pastures.
Isolated plants can be pulled out by hand, bagged and disposed of appropriately, but in situations with dense infestations, chemical control is the most effective and practical method of control.
